Gary Smulyan: Smul's Paradise (2012)

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A baritone saxophonist leading an organ trio is certainly a rarity; the results of Gary Smulyan's Smul's Paradise is, in sixties hip, a "gas." This slang seems especially appropriate here because the CD pays tribute to an often-overlooked organist, Don Patterson

, who came on the scene in that decade. Fronting a quartet behind his big bari, Smulyan contributes his tribute, "Blues for D.P.," in addition to including two tunes by Patterson in the eight-song set.

Smulyan has said that this format was a favorite from his youth, and that he has wanted to make a recording with an organ group for a long time. He got his professional start in the seventies with Woody Herman

. Here, the saxophonist's sound demonstrates a sonorous quality rarely heard on baritonemore like a tenorand contributes crisp, punchy solos, with his trio mates also making significant contributions.

Another highlight, Smulyan digs in on "Blues for D.P." after Bernstein's intro, leading to LeDonne, with all stops pulled out, bringing the tune to a rousing finish. Smulyan is front and center on his closing "Heavenly Hours," the saxophonist dexterously taking a lengthy run and improvising with abandon.

A logical choice in the midst of an organ trio, hopefully, Smul's Paradise will open more possibilities for the often-overlooked baritone sax as a lead instrument.